ISSUE 28 | 2019
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ZIMBABWE’S LEADING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE
Main Profile on Page 8: Driptech Invests in New Machinery
Build A Better
future. Electrical
Bathroom & Plumbing
Paint
Kitchens & Tiling
Building Materials
39-41 Doncaster Rd Belmont Bulawayo +263 2922 61045/6 +263 2922 63046/7 bulawayo@masters.co.zw 2
24 Telford Rd Graniteside Harare
+263 242 762625 harare@masters.co.zw STRUCTURE & DESIGN
Stand 459 Industrial Sites Victoria Falls
+263 83 2846940 +263 713 456 114 vicfalls@masters.co.zw
52A Fort Street Bulawayo
+263 2922 71248 +263 2922 71249 express@masters.co.zw
www.masters.co.zw
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TWENTY-EIGHTH ISSUE
CONTENT MAIN PROFILE PUBLISHER Structure And Design Media
08 | Driptech Invests in New Manufacturing Equipment
COMMERCIAL PROFILE
MARKETING
19 | A.M.Machado, 50 Years In Construction Clive Mapfumo Newton Musara Tatenda Nyagura +263 779 141 137 +263 772 233 086 +263 8644 224 569/70
SPACE OF THE MONTH 29 | Renovations For National Foods by Interior Designer Liz Howes
CORPORATE PROFILE
DESIGN & LAYOUT
35 | Plascon Honours Employees
Tami Zizhou
MATERIAL FOCUS
CONTRIBUTORS
39 | 6 Tips to Protect Wooden Floors During Rainy Season 42 | 5 Tips To Prepare Your Buildings For The Rainy Season 44 | Construction In The Rainy Season 46 | Hybrids, Electric Vehicles and The New EQC
Michael Nott PHOTOGRAPHY Structure & Design SUBSCRIPTIONS +263 8644 224 570 EMAIL adverts.structureanddesign@gmail.com adverts@structureanddesign.co.zw WEBSITE www.structureanddesign.co.zw FIND US AT 31 Alexander Rd, Highlands, Harare
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its content, neither editor nor publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors: or for an y misfortune, injury , or damages which may arise there-from. All rights reserved. Copyright 2019 Structure and Design M agazine: No Part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted
VISIT: issuu.com/structuredesign for the digital editions of every issue
in any form or by any means electric or mechanical, including photocopying or recording.
ISSUE 21 | 2019 ZIMBABWE’S LEADING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE
ARCHITECTS’
YEARBOOK 2018
MAIN PROFILE on Page 8: Building The New American Embassy in Harare.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
A.M.MACHADO (PVT) LTD is a general Building and Civil works contractors based in Msasa Harare, registered under Category “A� with the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ). With over 50 years of excellence in construction we specialise in the following:
Growing with the future.
*Shop fitting , industrial developments *Fast track and turn-key projects *Concrete works *Building and civil works *Commercial developments *Residential developments *Multi-storey buildings
Growing with Zimbabwe.
15 Neill Avenue, Msasa, Harare. P.O Box AY 8, Amby, Harare +263 242 486 639-40, +263 772 278 472 alexandre@ammachado.com / Info@ammachado.com ISSUE 28
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PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
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PROPERTY VALUATIONS
Registered Office: 6th Floor, Fidelity Life Tower, 5 Raleigh Street, Harare Tel: 0242 777139 / 777207 / 777157STRUCTURE / 748892 & DESIGN 6
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
ISSUE 24 WINTER
7
Structure & Design Team publisher@structureanddesign.co.zw
S&D PARTNERS S&D PARTNERS Project Management Zimbabwe Project Management Zimbabwe
The Centre for Project Management excellence!
Publisher’s Memo
T
he end of the year is always a good place for the finishing of projects, for reflection, for celebration and for rest. We have seen a very long year of amazing builds and designs that exceeded any challenges the year has thrown at Zimbabwe. Builds in Pomona like Superfert’s and ICC; The US Embassy Campus; City Glass, Driptech and Brown Engineering pushing further etc. Innovation has been key, with new players like DPA (SD Issue 26) bringing a fresh take on local problem solving, and old players solidifying themselves as forces of nature. A great example of this being A.M.
Machado (Pvt) Ltd Building Contractors, who are one of the oldest, well established and dependable building contractors in Zimbabwe. Three generations of the Machado family have worked hard to build up an outstanding reputation for the company known for completing projects on time and on budget as well as providing excellent attention to detail. DripTech Irrigation (Pvt) Ltd has been enjoying great success with their blow molded Jumbo Tanks. We visited where they manufacture them and get them ready for delivery. They have invested well in machinery as well as vehicles to streamline
the operation, showing that they are working towards even more capacity with a great product to boot. Page 8 National Foods have been at their current premises for many years, recently embarking on a renovation programme to upgrade and modernise their facilities. With the help of veteran designer Liz Howes, they managed to accomplish the first stages of this. Page 29
PLEASE READ, ENJOY AND SHARE!!! All Structure & Design content, and much more is available online at... issuu.com/ structuredesign or SDMagzim
Structure & Design Team publisher@structureanddesign.co.zw
S&D PARTNERS
ISSUE 28
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DRIPTECH Invests In New Manufacturing Equipment
text: Michael Nott | photos: Structure & Design
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
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main profile
D
ripTech Irrigation (Pvt) Ltd was established in 1995 in Harare and they still have their head office in Workington, although they have grown and expanded to include a number of other branches in Harare and Mutare. They recently opened their newest branch on Harare Drive in Pomona (see Structure and Design issue 24). From their original business of supplying and servicing irrigation equipment they have now grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of extruded PVC pipes for irrigation, plumbing, mining and all the related industries that need top quality products at affordable prices. They have recently expanded yet again to incorporate the manufacturing of their own exclusive brand of water storage tanks – Jumbo tanks. Their exclusive range of Jumbo tanks are available in a variety of sizes for customer convenience; 1,000 litres, 2,000 litres and 5,000 litres. Unlike many other brands Jumbo tanks have a matt grey finish which helps to make the tanks inconspicuous and has the advantage of making the tanks blend easily in most garden or domestic applications. A unique built in feature of Jumbo tanks is their three layer structure. The interior of the tanks is pure white making it easy to spot any impurities in the water. The inner layer is made from virgin food grade plastic which is odourless and tasteless making it ideal for storage where water is used in food production. It also eliminates the need for stored water to be treated before
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being used helping to cut production time and costs. The inner lining is non-reactive so the tanks can be used to store not just water but also for storing chemicals like acids or for water soluble fertilisers used in fertigation. (Wikipedia defines fertigation as “the injection of fertilisers, used for soil amendments, water amendments and other water-soluble products into an irrigation system.”) The second or middle layer is black which is UV resistant and helps to prevent algae growth and the outer layer is an attractive matt grey. Most plastic water storage tanks are
STRUCTURE & DESIGN
manufactured using the rotor mould system whereby molten plastic is poured into a mould that rotates on two axes to spread the liquid plastic around evenly. It’s a fairly complex and lengthy process. DripTech uses a unique combination of extrusion and blow moulding which is much quicker and produces a better quality product. The process is so fast that in October DripTech was able to supply over 900 units to their customers. The machinery is capable of producing around one tank every ten minutes. Although the tanks are slightly more expensive to manufacture than conventional tanks the high volume of production means that they can be sold at very competitive prices.
High density polyethylene plastic pellets are processed with heat and high pressure and extruded in a circular curtain that’s shaped like a large hollow tube. The tube is forced into a two sided mould and pressurised air is forced in to form the molten plastic to the desired shape. All three layers are extruded at the same time. The void underneath where the pressurised air is forced in later becomes the opening for the lid of the tank, so the tank is in effect manufactured upside down. The three individual layers contribute to make the tank extremely rigid and very robust. In fact DripTech are so confident about the quality and durability of their tanks that they offer a 10 year warrantee on their products. One advantage of the rigid nature of the tanks is that the opening for the lid can be formed with deep threads so that the lid can be tightly screwed on. This prevents insects, rodents and dust from getting in to the tank. Apart from storing water the food grade inner lining and the tightly sealed lid make the tanks ideal for grain storage, particularly for small scale rural farmers. Once the lid is sealed on the tank the grain is safely stored and becomes impervious to weevils and other pests. The 1,000 litre tank is the ideal size for grain storage and the three layer structure makes it very tough. ISSUE 28
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main profile
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
DripTech visited China to view various types of machinery capable of producing tanks using the combined extrusion and blow moulding method. They saw several options and were considering a smaller machine but eventually decided on a custom made machine which was tailored to perfectly suit their needs. The machine was imported directly from China and a specialised team of Chinese technicians came to Zimbabwe to assemble it and train the local staff on the running and maintenance of it. The equipment arrived in Zimbabwe in February this year and by May it was fully
operational. It’s the first machine of its kind in Southern Africa. The machine is housed in a custom built warehouse designed and built by Agristructures. The manufacturing plant is located at 11 Douglas Road in Workington so it’s close to DripTech’s sales outlet on Coventry Road. There’s a 10 tonne overhead crane on rails in the warehouse to move around the very heavy steel moulds used to produce the different size tanks and in addition the platform which creates the extruded plastic curtain can slide up
and down to accommodate the different sizes. The concrete floor slab had to be specially reinforced to take the weight of the machinery. The production process uses quite a lot of electricity so there’s a dedicated substation on site and DripTech has invested in a sophisticated three phase voltage regulator and variable transformer to help ensure a steady supply. In the event of there being no electricity supply DripTech also has a huge 650Kw generator as a backup to ensure uninterrupted production.
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main profile
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
With the introduction of their new tanks DripTech now supplies a total irrigation solution for both the agricultural and domestic sectors, as well as water solutions for mining and manufacturing. Their range of products includes centre pivots, drip, micro-jet and overhead irrigation equipment, boreholes, booster pumps, solar pumping solutions, garden irrigation and everything you need for storing or moving water. They also supply PVC, HDPE, LDPE, copper and galvanised pipe, fittings and valves. DripTech are the one stop shop for all your irrigation needs and they are also more than happy to offer technical advice for both contractors and small scale end users.
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main profile
The tanks are white on the inside to help identify any dirt/particles inside.
Recycling is a part of the company’s ideals.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
To find out more visit one of their branches located on Harare Drive in Pomona, Second Street extension in Belgravia, Glenara Avenue in Eastlea or Coventry Road in Workington. They also have a regional branch on Tembwe Street in Mutare. You can call +263 (0)867 700 7000 for enquiries Or visit their website: www.driptech.co.zw
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Viking Hardware is a multifaceted wholesale distribution organization with an intricate supply network that spans the entire country of Zimbabwe.
INGCO TOOLS
POWER GENERATION
WINCHES & ELECTRIC MOTORS
MATERIAL HANDLING & EARTHMOVING
PAINT & ADHESIVES
COMPRESSION & SADDLE FITTINGS
DIESEL &
INTERIOR DECOR
MILLING & CRUSHING
ELECTRIC COMPRESSORS
15 Grantham Road Belmont +263 29 2272912 | 2269558 18
STRUCTURE & DESIGN
www.viking.co.zw
A. M. Machado
– a family owned and run construction company with over 50 years’ experience
text: Michael Nott | photos: supplied by A.M.Machado
A
. M. Machado (Pvt) Ltd Building Contractors is one of the oldest, well established and dependable building contractors in Zimbabwe. Three generations of the Machado family have worked hard to build up an outstanding reputation for the company known for completing projects on time and on budget as well as providing excellent attention to detail. Their range of experience and expertise includes commercial and residential developments, multi-storey buildings, civil construction, concrete works as well as fast track and turnkey projects. From shopping malls, hotels and schools to small renovations and extensions A. M. Machado can deal with any construction needs. They are registered with the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe in Category A – General Contractor Building. A. M. Machado provide construction services for architects, engineers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, property developers as well as for local government and municipal work. But A. M. Machado are not just bricks and mortar. They are also skilled carpenters and joiners and they can provide full shopfitting services like flooring, suspended ceilings, bulkheads, partitions, glazing, wall and floor tiling – in fact their turnkey service will manage every detail of the build. They have their own in-house artisans and professionals including plumbers and electricians, as well as a vast network of specialist subcontractors.
construction materials upfront in order to minimise cost increases linked with inflation. A. M. Machado (Pvt) Ltd was started in 1966 by Mr Antonio Miranda Machado together with his wife Connie Machado, so they’ve been in business for over 50 years, making them one of
They take a flexible attitude to projects and are equally comfortable acting as the main contractor or simply supplying and supervising labour once the client has secured their own materials. Not only is their approach to projects highly adaptable they are proud of their ability to come up with innovative solutions to seemingly difficult problems. They were one of the first construction companies in Zimbabwe to formulate the policy of pre-buying all the ISSUE 28
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commercial profile
the longest running and most experienced building companies in Zimbabwe. The company was originally based at 8 George Avenue in Msasa and later moved to their current premises at 15 Neil Avenue in Msasa in 1994. The company had been so successful that it had grown to the stage where they found they needed more yard and office space. Antonio left his native Portugal in 1953 and moved to Lourenco Marques - now Maputo - seeking better prospects away from Europe. He was a carpenter by trade but soon ventured into the construction business learning his trade from hands on experience. He spent three years working on a civil construction project involving building a bridge in Tete near the Zimbabwean border. In 1956 he moved to what was then Salisbury and worked for a civil construction company, Andrews and Kidd, for around ten years before branching out on his own and setting up A. M. Machado Building Contractors in in 1966. From a fairly small and unassuming business A. M. Machado has grown into one of the leading construction companies in Zimbabwe, now employing over 100 members of staff, including highly skilled project managers, quantity surveyors, supervisors, administration staff, and drivers and labourers.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
Machado has a company policy of looking out for their staff and has an outstanding Health and Safety programme to support their employees. Some staff members have been with the company for many decades – like Mr David Brewer who joined the company as a quantity surveyor in 1973 and stayed with the company for 42 years until 2015. Some employees have risen through the ranks from menial workers to supervisors and foremen, like Mr Conrad
Nyambiya who joined as a general labourer a rose through the ranks to become a contracts manager. Others have used their training and experience gained at the company to branch out on their own. Apart from investing in their staff welfare and ongoing training the company continues to invest capital in plant and machinery to maximise their capacity for large scale construction projects and to keep up with new technology and construction methods. The founding Mr Machado passed away recently in 2018 in Portugal. At this time his son Tony Machado had already been running the company for several years. Tony Machado Jnr had been helping out at the company since his schooldays so he was already knew how the business worked and he was familiar with all aspects of the construction process from hands on experience. While working at the family company Tony was also studying for his Construction Diploma at the Harare
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commercial profile
Polytechnic. Tony has been the Managing Director of the company from 1984 up until today. His broad experience includes seven years working as project manager for various mining concerns in the DRC, as well as construction projects in South Africa, Botswana and Portugal. Recently, in 2018, Tony’s son Alexandre joined the company, making him the third generation of the Machado family to be involved in the business. Alex studied Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at Oxford Brookes University in the UK and has brought new energy to the company as well as fresh ideas about contemporary technologies relating to the construction industry. Alex has also developed and grown the company’s Health and Safety position. In line with global trends Alex has encouraged the company to embrace a greener, more eco-friendly outlook with an emphasis on sustainability.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
Consequently A. M. Machado endorses implementing the use of alternative energy sources like solar power and inverters in the design of new construction projects. The company encourages a recycling policy in terms of both waste disposal and recycling materials for new projects. Wherever possible the company seeks to preserve existing trees on new sites and has a method of capping and diverting the roots of trees that are close to a building’s foundations. A. M. Machado can also incorporate landscaping into the implementation of new projects.
Nestle House – corporate Head Quarters on Samora Machel Avenue The Colonnade – Mutare Road, Msasa – shops, offices and factories MMCZ Building – Mutare Road, Msasa – offices E. U. Office Block – Arundel James North - now Halsted’s Supply Chain Management, Msasa Green Fuel – Chisumbanje Bakers’ Inn - Graniteside
EDUCATIONAL Chitungwiza College Harare International School FOOD COURTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Vistarama Cinema – Avondale Chisipite Food Court Chivu Food Court Fife Avenue Food Court Simon Mazorodze Food Court
Just a few of A. M. Machado’s bigger projects include: RESIDENTIAL Larmenier Retirement Village adjacent to Nazareth House in Highlands ZRP housing at Tomlinson Depot on Enterprise Road Chikurubi Camp/Support Unit on Arcturus Road Spencer Cook Gardens – Josiah Tongogara Avenue Dandaro – houses 3 and 4 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZB Bank – Rotten Row ISSUE 28
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OTHER RECENT MAJOR PROJECTS Borrowdale Village Walk – prestigious upmarket shopping mall Trade Kings – Workington Lusitania School – double storey classroom block CIMAS – fit out of their new HQ in Borrowdale CABS – fit out of their new branch at Borrowdale Village Walk Oncocare Cancer Treatment Centre – old Enterprise Rd Mashonaland Tobacco Company – refurbishment of their corporate HQ and new warehouse in Willowvale CURRENT PROJECTS Trauma Centre Borrowdale – a state-of-art mini-hospital and emergency medical facility Cross Country Containers – warehouse in Willowvale A housing development in Chisipite Refurbishment of an office block in Alex Park A. M. Machado is situated at 15 Neil Avenue in Msasa, Harare. Call: 0242 486639, 0242 486640, 077 227 8472 Email: toni@ammachado.co.zw, alexandre@ammachado.com
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
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OUT OF AFRICA
READY TO COMPLETE YOUR HOME No home is quite complete without a real fire. And there is no fire quite like a Jetmaster. Since 1951, Jetmaster has been conceptualising, designing and manufacturing smokeless fireplaces and braais for distribution around the world.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
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Suppliers & Installers of: Hardwood Flooring | Porcelain & Ceramic Tiling | Engineered Flooring | Laminate Textiles | Luxury Vinyl Tiling | Carpeting | Decking
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
NATIONAL FOODS Updates Offices
N
ational Foods Ltd (NFL) has grown to become one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of food products in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region. NFL has a long history stretching back to the early part of the last century, when two families, the Palte family and the Harris family, started separate businesses, which eventually came together as one. The two companies merged, and in the 1970s National Foods Ltd as we now know it, was born. From modest beginnings NFL has grown to become a large organisation which listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. Today the company provides the expertise, technology, manpower and innovations to feed the nation. NFL boasts of flagship brands which include Gloria, Red Seal, NF Stockfeeds, Pearlenta, Mahatma, and Better Buy. Whenever celebrations and good times happen, the National Foods Snacks and Treats Brands will be there with you. The Portfolio carries the Allegros Popticorn, King, ZapNax and Iris Brands. With flavours almost as rich as our history, we have offerings that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and compliment any mood.
text: Michael Nott | photos: Structure & Design Their current headquarters are situated at 10 Stirling Road in Workington, Harare, which include their executive and administrative offices, logistics, milling and processing units, and their bakery research and development laboratory. (They also have offices and mills in Bulawayo and subsidiary concerns across the country.) Having been at their current premises for many years they recently embarked on a renovation programme to upgrade and modernise their facilities. While being perfectly adequate some sections of the building were looking a little tired and dated and not functioning as well as they could. The renovations were planned to take place in phases with the bakery/laboratory being the first phase. Liz Howes, from Howes and Homes, undertook the refurbishment of the laboratory – which also contains a mini test bakery – in February/March of 2018, which took around five weeks to complete. The laboratory is in constant use and normal wear and tear had taken its toll over the years. Cabinet doors were falling off, counters and sinks needed updating, the floors were worn,
ceilings needed to be repaired or replaced and the lighting needed modernising. The laboratory was basically gutted completely to create a new open plan blank slate. All the original cupboard units were taken out and the existing office partitioning was removed so that the whole layout could be re-configured to work more efficiently. Parts of the ceiling were broken or had been damaged by old leaks so the ceilings throughout were removed and new ceilings and cornices installed. The old fluorescent lighting was inadequate so new LED lights were fitted which are more energy efficient and improve the overall light quality. To replace the old cupboards brick plinths were built with granite counter tops and granite splashbacks. (The granite was installed by Howes and Homes’ preferred sub-contractor Nyamu Muriwa who also does all their kitchen fit outs.) There are deliberately no doors on the under-counter cupboard units so all the shelving and storage can been seen and needs to be kept neat and orderly. New sanitary ware was installed including taps and mixers as well as sinks and prep bowls. The floor was completely retiled with ISSUE 28
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space of the month > tiles running up the sides of the brick plinths to make cleaning easier. A quick lick of paint was applied to all the walls and ceilings and a brand new spick and span bakery was revealed. The second phase of the renovations – again undertaken by Howes and Homes - took place earlier this year in July and August, over a period of seven weeks. Refurbishments were done to the second floor of the office block which can be considered the executive section as it includes the CEO’s office and the upstairs reception area, the boardrooms and meeting rooms, as well as the boardroom kitchen and the executive ablutions. It also includes the lobby at the lifts and a wing of departmental offices leading off of long corridors. The original décor and fittings had become tired and a little run down and needed to be modernised and refreshed, both to improve the environment for the staff and to upgrade the corporate image of the company. The old beige and cream décor scheme had long become outdated and a steel gate at the entrance to the second floor was particularly unappealing. The row of offices along the corridor were closed off by solid partitioning making them feel cramped and disconnected. The most immediately striking improvement is that a unified colour scheme has been employed. The floors have been carpeted throughout (except for one of the boardrooms) with smart, hardwearing dark blue/grey tiles. The tiles are easy to replace if they become stained or worn. Crisp white colonial style skirting draws a neat line between the darker floors and pale grey walls. Down the long (formerly rather dreary) passageway solid dry-wall partitioning has been removed and replaced with aluminium and glass partitions. The glass partitions have stickon vinyl designs (supplied by Signs of the Times) which look like the company logo has been sandblasted onto them. The glass has the effect of making both the passageway and the offices feel lighter and bigger and the staff don’t feel so isolated and cut off any more. New ceilings and cornices have been fitted with simple down-lighters where needed. Old flush doors have been replaced with white moulded doors framed with smart white architraves. Thankfully the old jail house gate at the entrance has been replaced by modern aluminium and glass access doors.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
In the CEOs office the old bulkhead has been removed and replaced with a flat ceiling that makes the room feel more spacious and less cluttered. Old worn blinds have been replaced throughout by dark blue vertical blinds (supplied by Ashley Smith Interiors). The bigger boardroom has roll down black out blinds for media presentations. Where there are fitted wooden cabinets in the offices they have been painted plain white and new handles have been fitted which immediately gives the cabinets a new lease on life for very little expense.
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space of the month The kitchen has been totally refurbished, with new white melamine doors and black granite tops and splash backs. New floor tiles have been fitted with smart aluminium skirting which is easy to clean. Provision has been made for the microwave and new taps and sinks complete the makeover. Both the ladies’ and the gents’ ablutions have been similarly transformed and updated. The ablutions were gutted, new wall and floor tiles fitted, as well as new black granite counter tops with stand-on-top basins. Because they were still being used it was difficult to accomplish all
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
of this without overly disturbing the day to day running of the offices. A lot of the noisy and dusty work had to be done over the weekends to create as little disruption as possible. Howes and Homes managed to achieve all of this in just seven weeks. Phase three, which will include the refurbishment of the first floor offices, is currently under consideration, and might take place towards the end of this year or early next year. Watch this space to see how it works out!
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space of the month
• KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
HOME OFFICE
OUTDOOR
BUILDING AND RENOVATING NEEDS
• ROOFS & GUTTERING • PAINTING • PLUMBING • ELECTRICS • GATES & WALLS • PAVING • OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING • WALLS & FLOORS • TILING • BUILT IN CUPBOARDS • EXTERIOR FACADES • CONVERSIONS, EXTENSIONS & ALTERATIONS • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
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CONTACT: LIZ HOWES • LIZHOWES10@GMAIL.COM • 0772 253 236 STRUCTURE & DESIGN
OUT OF AFRICA
FOR ALL YOUR
PLASCON ASTRA’s End of Year & Employee Awards IN PICTURES
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Plascon MasterMix offers a fast drying, superior quality, automotive paint that is ideal for surfaces requiring a durable, high gloss finish.
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STRUCTURE & DESIGN
corporate profile
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Suppliers and Installers of Hardwood Flooring, Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring, Engineered Oak Flooring and Cladding, Interlocking Rubber Tiles, Residential and Commercial Carpets.
0773 052 804 fusionhome@gmx.com @fusionflooringzw
6 TIPS TO PROTECT WOODEN FLOORS
DURING RAINY SEASON
W
ooden floors render a special kind of beauty to your home. It enhances and adds to the aesthetic sense, apart from blending well with other accessories in your room.
Such a thing of beauty is sensitive to atmospheric changes, and so come monsoon and you have to be really careful because wood tends to absorb moisture, causing it to expand. You must be pretty familiar with wooden doors that become too stubborn to close properly during the rainy season, aren’t you? The case is similar with wooden floors too. And, that’s not all. When moisture gets too deep into the floors, it could cause stains. If you want your wooden floors to remain shiny and lovely all through the year, then you’ve got to work a little, and be careful about a few other things. It is not that hard, after all. Let’s go through the six simple tips that will make the wood in your flooring a thing of classic natural beauty for several more years.
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material focus 1. CHECK AND RECTIFY WATER LEAKAGE
3. USE SUPER ABSORBENT MATS
Water is the biggest nemesis of wooden floors. It’s indeed a troublesome job to restore the beauty of wooden floors affected by water spillages. Hence, ensure that there is no sort of water leakage in any part of your house.
Carpets and rugs are not very good for wood floors as they could cause stubborn stains. Instead, go for mats that are super absorbent and fitted with solid, non-slip rubber backings. Such mats have fibers that can capture moisture to a great extent.
(a) Cracks in the terrace floors could lead to water leakage causing it to pool around in your rooms. So, ensure that water drains from the terrace completely.
If you have too many people coming in on a rainy day, make sure the super absorbent mat remains dry, and remove it immediately if it gets soaked through because that could also cause stain. Make sure you get the right type of non-slipping grip for the mats. Some people tend to use carpet tapes, which is not advisable, because they leave a sticky residue on floors.
(b) It is important to do roof maintenance from time to time to prevent such incidents from happening. You would need an expert to go through possible leakage areas in your terrace.
4. WIPE OUT WATER SPILLAGE (c) The attached bathrooms in your bedrooms (if you have wooden flooring there) must have no plumbing issues. (d) Your electrical appliances must be in perfect working order (for example, your refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine). Malfunctions in them could cause water pooling on the floor. (e) Perform safety checks before the onset of monsoon. 2. KEEP OUT RAIN DEBRIS Wooden floors and wet footwear just don’t match. It is important to remove raincoats, umbrellas and dripping clothing before entering the room fitted with wooden flooring. If your entryway is also fitted with wooden flooring, then place a super absorbent mat over it so that people can wipe their feet well, and a coat hanger nearby so that they can keep the raincoats and umbrellas out to dry. The longer the mat, the better it is, because people can rub off the dirt and mud as they keep walking in.
If there is a water/mud puddle or liquid spillage, then wipe it up quickly with a dry cloth/mop. You can wipe with a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth if you wish, but it shouldn’t be drippy wet, and it’s certainly not a good idea during the rainy season. You can use cleaners, but make sure they are not too harsh for the wood. Ideally, you can use cleaners recommended by hardwood flooring companies because they know what’s best for their floorings. 5. ENSURE PROPER VENTILATION People have the general idea that you must keep all the windows and doors closed during the monsoon. Wooden floors need fresh air. You can keep the windows closed while it rains heavily, but as soon as it lets up, you must open them all to let the moisture and dampness escape. If there is water spillage in your floors caused by heavy rains and winds, dry it up immediately and let the water evaporate. In case, the rains bring in a lot of mud and dirt, you must clean up the mess immediately and remove all traces of contaminants between the boards and the corners. 6. REINFORCE SEALANTS PERIODICALLY In order to cease worrying about what kind of havoc rain can do to your wooden flooring, make sure you keep it protected by enhancing the wax sealants. Reinforcing polyurethane sealants (either oil or water based) once in every few years can keep it sealed and protected from the onslaught of rains every year. These moisture cure sealants have amazing adhesion properties and acts as a permanent elastic on your floors. Your hardwood flooring company can help you choose one that’s suitable for your home, depending on the climate. CONCLUSION True, rain is not good for your flooring, but so is harsh sunlight. If your floor gets direct sunlight, then make sure it doesn’t affect the life of the wood. It is also advisable to use furniture pads under your furniture to ensure the floor remains protected when you rearrange the furniture in your rooms. Routine care and maintenance is important to keep your hardwood floors look as good as new. Follow the tips mentioned above to ensure your wooden floors retain their charm and beauty in the rainy season. - via Eldo Rajan
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GLADORNCONTRACTORS Cell: 0774709948/ 0772310739 | Tel: 08644 289 572 Email: gladorncontractors@gmail.com ISSUE 28
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Five tips
to Prepare your Buildings for the Rainy Season THE RAINY SEASON IS ALMOST UPON US AND, UNFORTUNATELY, RAIN MIGHT RESULT IN WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY. WE AT UNION HARDWARE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YOUR BUILDINGS SAFE AND, IN THE PROCESS, PROTECT YOUR HOME, FAMILY, EMPLOYEES, AND POSSESSIONS.
1
INSPECT YOUR ROOF Walk around your home’s exterior, inspecting your roof to make sure your roof is in good condition. Do this at least twice a year to avoid costly problems that could escalate into a much greater expense. As you walk around your house be sure to: ● ● ● ● ●
Inspect the roof from the ground. Look for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Check for skew, loose or missing tiles and for any cracks in the chimney. Missing roof tiles means your roof is directly exposed to adverse weather conditions. Look for cracks along the ridge of your roof and along parapet walls. Damaged mortar joints on ridge capping tiles will result in roof leaks. Inspect the valleys of your roof. This is the area of your roof with a downward slope). Make sure that any flashing does not have any holes or rusty spots. Take notes of any possible problem areas or areas in need of closer inspection.
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INSPECT YOUR GUTTERS Gutters are an essential part of your roofing system. The purpose of the gutter is to collect and funnel away any water that lands on the roof, taking water away from the building’s foundations and protecting your exterior surfaces while stopping water from entering the home. If water penetrates your home, woodwork can perish, mould will begin to grow, condensation will form and brickwork will erode and damp patches, which can cause health issues, will spread quickly. This is how you can protect your home and health: ● ● ●
Ensure the guttering outside your home isn’t broken or leaking. Clear out any leaves or other debris. This will reduce the risk of blockages during heavy rain, which could cause your guttering to overflow and create problems for your home. (You can use a trowel to scoop out debris which is clogging your gutters, or purchase a cleaning tool specifically designed for your gutters that is attached to your hosepipe). Additionally, check that there are not a lot of little granules collecting in gutters and down-pipes. Finding granules is a good indicator that your roof’s coating needs to be resealed and painted. To reduce the risk of blockages there are preventative measures you can follow: tight-fitting wire mesh or plastic caps are available to fit most types of down-pipe. They allow water through but trap leaves and dirt. 42
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3
INSPECT THE INSIDE OF YOUR BUILDINGS Check all windows and doors. Make sure that they both close and seal properly, and make any repairs or improvements as necessary. Inside your home, check your ceilings to make sure that you are not experiencing signs of roof, or other, leakage. Be on the lookout for water rings, mould, or dark spots and trails. Wall or ceiling discoloration could also be an indication that there is a problem. Black mould spots on your curtains or fabric could also indicate damp or a high moisture content in the wall.
4
SURROUNDING TREES AND FOLIAGE It would be prudent to consider cutting back any trees and foliage that hang over the house and gutters as their branches and leaves will most likely cause blockages and guttering problems. Additionally, it will reduce the risk that they will fall during a storm and damage your home.
5
COLLECT AND RECYCLE WATER Consider installing a rainwater collection tank to help you harness the potential of your home to provide its own water, and cut unnecessary waste. We really only need the expensive municipal water for drinking and cooking. Most of the household water we consume is to flush toilets, wash cars and water plants and gardens. Rainwater is perfect for filling your pool, watering the garden, or washing cars and dogs. Collection tanks come in different sizes and can be connected to your guttering system without much effort. Some tanks have built-in pumps so you could connect it directly to your garden sprinkler systems.
PURE ELEGANCE
Union Hardware
Wishes you all a Wonderful festive Season and a Prosperous New year!
Msasa Branch: 196 Mutare Road (Old Jaggers) Tel: +263 24 2446667/8/9
Email: sales@union.co.zw / unionmsasa@union.co.zw
Burnley Branch: 8 Burnley Road, Workington, Tel: +263 24 2754880/1, 773248/9
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Safety Tips For Managing Construction During a Rainy Season
PRIORITIZE EVERYONE’S SAFETY
PLAN AHEAD
Workers’ safety should be the number one concern in all types of home construction services and projects, regardless of the weather condition. But during the rainy season, the risk of slip and fall is far worse.
Preparation and planning are the key to a successful construction projectespecially during the wet season when there’s more risk of accidents and work delays. It is important to prepare all supplies and equipment that will be used so as to ensure a smooth and steady workflow. Consider placing protective
The following work safety measures should be observed: Wear protective gears and visibility clothing, including raincoat, boots and gloves that have slip-proof grip. Equipment that requires electricity to run should be placed and used indoors. Use proper tools and equipment. Never use electrical tools that are not specifically rated for outdoor use. During thunderstorms, be extra cautious of exposed steel structures are high conductors of electricity.
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sheets in the scaffolding and remove loose items that can fall and injure anyone. Be sure to constantly update yourself and your crew about the latest weather forecast.
PROTECT EQUIPMENT AND THE JOBSITE FROM RAIN Working under the rain is already
inconvenient. Thus, you want to take measures to at least reduce the amount of water entering the job site and potentially damaging your equipment. An effective and inexpensive measure is to make use of waterproof tarps. You can install a temporary shed for your workers when they have to do some tasks outdoors. Tarps also make a good cover for construction equipment and supplies. Choose high-quality tarps with grommets for easy set-up and installation.
PRACTICE CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH CONCRETE The key to building a home during bad weather is to get the foundation installed and the house up out of the ground before extended periods of rain. It is fine to pour concrete in cold weather, but the whole process requires an experienced crew and the proper equipment. Before placing concrete on footings, remove water that may have pooled. If the rain is so heavy that rain puddles cannot be removed, it is recommended to suspend concrete pouring until at a later time.
USE THE RIGHT TOOLS AND MATERIALS
with tarps for added security and protection from rain and wind.
Investing on the latest building materials can be advantageous for contractors as most of them are water-resistant. For example, new roof sheathing has waterproof coating while there are things like boards sealed with a special tape that keeps just about all water out from the wood substrate. During long durations of rain, it can be a good idea to install a temporary construction shed or site where your crew can work freely and comfortably. The sides can be covered
Construction truly is possible even during the wet season. However, advanced planning and preparation, as well as extra precaution is necessary. It takes an experienced team of contractors and the right tools and equipment to successfully facilitate a construction project when the weather is bad. Nevertheless, injuries and accidents are very likely. Thus, adhering to workers’ safety guidelines and observing these tips are of great importance.
Are you undertaking anything to do with construction? It could be the whole “start-to-finish” scope, a specific construction stage or even general handyman services. Look no further than Muvaki Contracting. Our client base is spread across corporate and personal portfolios without any compromise on the quality we deliver. We are also consulting for free, for a limited time only. Get in touch with us on: +263717873522 / +263716840176 / +263774823865 enquiries@muvakicontracting.co.zw/ jacob.rukuni@muvakicontracting.co.zw muvakicontracting@gmail.com/ www.muvakicontracting.co.zw
@muvakicontracting muvaki-contracting Muvaki Contracting ISSUE 28
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HYBRID, ELECTRIC & THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ EQC
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ITH THE recent interest in electric cars and hybrids in Zimbabwe, it is important to look into what that future looks like or what options are actually available. Different energy solutions are being explored in the country to tackle the demands of our various activities, and so are people looking into fuel alternatives for their vehicles. Hybrids are a bit more visible on our roads, but what are they really? A hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct types of power, such as internal combustion engine to drive an electric generator that powers an electric motor, e.g. in diesel-electric trains using diesel engines to drive an electric generator that powers an electric motor, and submarines that use diesels when surfaced and batteries when submerged. The basic principle with hybrid vehicles is that the different motors work better at different speeds; the electric motor is more efficient at producing torque, or turning power, and the combustion engine is better for maintaining high speed (better than typical electric motor). Switching from one to the other at the proper time while speeding up yields a win-win in terms of energy efficiency, as such that translates into greater fuel efficiency, for example. Even with power woes, however, a few have gotten on to the electric vehicle wagon. We want to look at Mercedes Benz’s new drive towards the creation of a whole range of electric vehicles, starting with the Mercedes Benz EQ. Mercedes-Benz EQ is an upcoming series of battery electric vehicles to be manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz intends to produce ten EQ models by 2022, three of which will have the Smart brand, representing between 15% and 25% of the company’s global sales. All of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle design and production efforts will target the EQ family. 46
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The Mercedes-Benz EQC (N293), the first they have produced, is a fully-electric compact luxury SUV. While the EQC will run predominantly in front-wheel drive mode, the rear electric motor is called to serve when extra performance is needed by flooring the throttle. The EQC 400 is packed with oodles of recycled materials (up to 100 components made from recycled and sustainable raw materials are used in every EQC 400 depending on options), and has ability to drive around 350km (based on the European WLTP cycle) with zero tailpipe emissions. The EQC is based on the GLC and shares the same wheelbase dimensions. It is a fiveseater vehicle and has a trunk capacity of 500 litres. The EQC400 4MATIC is powered by 2 asynchronous electric motors, fitted on the front and rear axles, and produces 300 kW (402 hp). It has an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). The 80 kWh battery pack has a modular design and consists of 384 lithium-ion cells. It can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 40 minutes, via a DC fast charger. Steering wheel paddle shifters allow for the
selection of varying levels of brake energy regeneration. Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism that slows a vehicle or object by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed. In this mechanism, the electric motor uses the vehicle’s momentum to recover energy that
would be otherwise lost to the brake discs as heat. This contrasts with conventional braking systems, where the excess kinetic energy is converted to unwanted and wasted heat by friction in the brakes, or with dynamic brakes, where energy is recovered by using electric motors as generators but is immediately dissipated as heat in resistors.
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In addition to improving the overall efficiency of the vehicle, regeneration can greatly extend the life of the braking system as its parts do not wear as quickly. EQUIPMENT Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic collision avoidance, and two 10.25-inch interior displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. All models feature the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which features a voice-controlled smart-assistant that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes�. It can display charging information and energy consumption figures. The navigation system can also suggest routes that include charging stationsdepending on the remaining charge of the battery. FASTER CHARGING AT THE WALLBOX The Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home is a charging station with a fixed charging cable about six metres long and has a maximum charging capability of up to 22 kW. It allows battery-electric
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vehicles or plug-in hybrids from Mercedes-Benz to be charged many times faster than would be possible at a conventional domestic socket. The charging cable is locked during the charging process so that the connection cannot be interrupted, while an LED on the Wallbox indicates the charging procedure status. Access authorisation is controlled via a key-operated switch.
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PAINTS
wishes all our valued cutomers and followers a blessed and properous festive season NEW SHOP OPENING DISCOUNT GET 10% - 20% DISCOUNT Bay 13, 59A Steven Drive Msasa, Harare Atrak.Paint +263 788 805 929
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